Villa Romana di San Giovanni in Palco

The Roman Villa of San Giovanni in Palco (Saint John) is a place of historical interest located between the municipalities of Lauro and Taurano.

An imposing thermal complex dating back to the 1st century BC, it was brought to light through an excavation campaign conducted by the Archaeological Superintendency in 1981. Only one part of this complex has been brought to light, occupying an area of 1,330 square metres, while the other part, which would constitute the nucleus of the Roman Imperial Villa, is supposed to be incorporated into the foundations of the Convent of San Giovanni del Palco. 

The Roman Villa and the adjoining baths are arranged on various levels, which are still well preserved: among them, the frigidarium (cold bath room), the laconicum (steam bath room), the calidarium (hot bath room) and a tepidarium (waiting room). Inside, precious mosaics of mother-of-pearl and blue shells are also preserved, testifying to the productive local craftsmanship of the time.

An indelible trace of the imperial period, the Roman Villa of San Giovanni in Palco is a magnificent site that has been attracting visitors for several decades.